Friday, December 21, 2012

This painting was done last year, so while the preparations for Christmas are in full swing. Just wanted to take this time to wish all of my fellow bloggers a very Merry Christmas. Thank you all, for the support and encouragement you have given all year long. I feel a connection of friendship with each and everyone of you.

This is the actual plein air study in oil. It actually wasn't that cold, Mike and I were bundled up with various layers of clothing, buy the dampness just got to us.
In the last few days, my love of art and the enthusiasm that I always have felt is burning bright. Thank God.
Happy Painting everyone.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, temps reaching 50, So Mike and I went to the Arboretum for a little plein air; He read the History Magazine on the Kindle and started my 8x10 oil. We lasted 45 minutes, then it just got a bit too cold. We were both bundled in layers of clothing, but hands and feet were feeling the cold.

So it is back to work, I thank you Bruce, I am back on my bike, or back in the saddle, either one it feels wonderful. I will do some more work on my painting from a photo,

Thursday, December 13, 2012

This is one of those forced paintings, that we artist find it necessary to do. To break out of a slump or to fight off the blues with a paint brush. What frightens me, is the loss that is felt when the enthusiasm we feel towards our craft suddenly disappears or gets misplaced somewhere in our subconscious.

So today was one of determination to simply not think, or wait for inspiration, or ponder why, it was Just Do It!!! Doesn't have to be good, or bad, just Let It Be.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

I want to take this time to thank you fellow bloggers for all the kindness you have given me and Mike in our days of sadness in loosing our beautiful dog Mac.

It is also a time to give thanks for all the memories we have and realized how blessed we truly are. It has always helped to get through difficult times with a brush or pencil in my hand. In trying to get back to my art I looked into my china cabinet where we have collected various items in our life time. The green glass bottle was one of a cordial set, very popular back in the day, and one champagne glass. The opposite page a journey through time to the present, the plant that has been with us for the last ten years and of course my recent Noodlers pen, purchased a year ago.

And most of all the beautiful memories we have shared with our Mac. I also want to give a special thank you to cousin Sue, she has done a beautiful job in her drawing of Mac, she captured him perfectly.

Friday, December 7, 2012

With a sad heart I write, our Mac passed during the night, on Dec. 6th. His last day with us was wonderful,
he ate a hearty lunch and ate all his dinner. We both sat outdoors in the warm sunshine, I sketched and he just enjoyed being in the yard. Before we retired for the night, Mike and I noticed something strange, he just wasn't acting himself. It wasn't anything to be alarmed about, because he did get that way at times.

But Mike and I knew his days were numbered, his hind legs were bad, never in pain, just lost of any feeling. The vet told us, there was really nothing that could be done for him, so Mike made him homemade meals of chicken and veggies. Mike believes food heals all ,physical problems.

When we woke up yesterday morning Mac was in a peaceful eternal slumber, in his usual spot at the foot of our bed. He was so loved and will be missed.
So sorry to write such a sad post, but Mac, deserved being remembered.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

On waking the other morning, had a lucid moment and remember this time last year. Enjoying making entries in my journal. So that was what I did, at the kitchen table there was a pepper, onion and this adorable tea pot, with green tea leaves. In the mix, I threw in a abstract landscape. So a little bit of this and a little bit of that my morning passed in the heavenly bliss of playing with pen and ink and watercolor paints.

Today, it was outdoors with my pal Mac, a 10 year old Shiloh Shepherd who is not doing well with his hind left leg, but the trooper that he is, was happy to keep me company. He is in no pain at all and today's temps were warm enough for two old dogs to be outdoors. Happy painting everyone.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Yesterday was spent painting in gouache. First looking through some of the photos taken at one of the locations we painted during the summer. These studies were really just sketches in gouache. I have so many photos and small paintings to develop into larger paintings.

But first, I must get into my studio and organize all of my art supplies and paints. Happy Painting everyone.

Friday, November 30, 2012

To all my fellow bloggers, I certainly have been procrastinating with my entries and comments. This is just a sketch done while the cable vision tech. was installing my cable hook up. This month has been so hectic, I am sure all of you have experienced the same or even more of life's curve balls.

For Mike and I, it was not so bad, just hectic, Sandy, Thanksgiving, and a trip to Virginia to visit my daughter, son-in-law and 3 grand children. So I thank God, all is well with us, for me just a nasty case of laziness.

I just recently purchased an ipad, wow, what a difference, great toy and can be used for my art. I like sketching from my photos brought up on the ipad. Better than a printed photo and it can be used in my studio.

So now, no more excuses , it's back to work and re-connecting to all of you my dear blogger friends. Happy painting.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Vanderbilt Estate plein air

I forgot to post this oil sketch, my daughter now has it hanging in her new home. This was done on location during the summer. I am looking forward to painting some snow scenes. We did get a bit of snow, turning everything into a winter wonderland. So very ready for the Holiday season. Happy Painting everyone.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

These are some of the sketches I have been working on, while being house bound. Due to a shortage of gasoline, another set back caused by Sandy, we are staying at home.

I wanted to do a little sketch of Cape Cod, done from a photo taken the summer my son rented a beach house at the Cape. God only knows what devastation Sandy did to this lovely beach and the houses that were so close to the water.

Trying to keep up with my art, I did these little road sketches. I miss going out and painting outdoors, but there is always so much to paint or draw, just have to look around. Trying to relocate my happy feelings and fighting off the blues with a brush in hand.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

I want to just say thank you to all of you, for your prayers. Mike, and I and my family are all safe. We live in the center of the Island. We experienced winds reaching 90mph. No floods, no damage and the only discomfort was, the lack of power.

We were safe, we listened to the radio, like in the old days prior to tv, or the internet. We burned candles and kerosene lanterns. We sat at the kitchen table in the evening and watch the sky and full moon. We saw lights in sky at times, I thought it was lightening but it was transformers arching. Which we knew it would mean no power for awhile. But like I said we were lucky, power came back in 24hrs.

Mike and I shared time together, at one point he even said I looked young again, which in fact I thought the same about him. But as the evening progressed we found ourselves fast asleep by 8pm. But of course I was up at 5am the next morning.

Monday, October 29, 2012

What a difference a week makes. Last week Mike and I enjoyed this little inlet at short Beach. We are now in the midst of a fast approaching storm. We are all ready feeling the effects, winds reaching 50mph at times and light rain. The big event comes later today a 5pm into the God only knows when, we are expecting winds up to 90mph. This will be my last post for awhile. We will be without electricity for a week or more, that is what we are told.

So once again, we are waiting for another hurricane, this time it' Sandy, it's back to painting by candlelight , and day light. Another trip back in time, no computers, phone or television. For all who isn't affected by the storm, Happy Painting.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Not a very good picture of the painting, it was still wet and couldn't get rid of the glare, the colors a little off also. Maybe once it dries it will look a little better. It was started on location and completed today at home.

It's 8x10 oil on an old piece of Luan board. So basically it's just a study. We are expecting a huge storm, that will encompass the Southeast all the way up to the Northeast states including Maine. Oh, my, never have seen a storm this large. Expected to start tomorrow evening. So to all my fellow bloggers, stay safe.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Another brilliant day at Short Beach. Mike and I ventured out yesterday. I set up and he sat by the water reading a history book.

We met some lovely people who came to the beach with the dogs, one a Golden Retriever, doing his job, by retrieving the ball his master through into the water. The next car pulled up, with a man and woman, with a long leash in hand, and then the pet a huge Great Dane, what a magnificent animal. Charcoal Grey, just a young lad of 2, but the size of a pony.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Lots going on this weekend. First and foremost, getting to see my blogger friend Hilda. Last week I mentioned to Hilda, that the Conklin house was having a opening night reception. She was to baby sit on Friday, so I really didn't expect to see her. Upon arriving and looking at the lovely paintings I looked up there she was, with her lovely smiling face. What a wonderful surprise, when we all communicate through our blogs, we get to know each other, when we meet in person, it's like two old friends meeting.

Hilda is as beautiful as her paintings, and it is a privilege to know her. Thank you Hilda for taking the time in your busy schedule to travel to the show. Check out her blog, you have a treat to behold, she is a gifted artist. Pastels by H. Muxo

Sorry about this long post, but in the photos you will see my latest painting a wip, still needs tweaking, but it's my Kevin MacPherson pochade that I was thrilled to use on Saturday. So all of that being said, I wish you all a lovely Sunday. Happy Painting everyone.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Today was a glorious day to be out painting. My friend and I met at last weeks location. The weather was perfect. Warm in the sun, but temps in the 60's.

Mike and I had to drive to the Conklin House to drop off two of my paintings for the show this weekend. Hilda the reception is this Friday at 7pm, if you can make it, it would be great seeing you again.

Tomorrow I will work on my painting at home, it still needs some tweaking. Happy painting everyone.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

I realized that plein air, doesn't necessarily mean outdoor painting. It means from life or nature. So that being said, these are the roses from my garden. Doubt if there will be anymore for this year. It is always fun painting from life. Happy Painting everyone.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Experimenting with a technique I have never tried before, inspired by Cindy Hasse a gifted artist.

Cindy works in oil and pastel. I tried this technique using gouache on a 6x6 Raymar panel. Only using the primary colors and not white. It's incredibly challenging. But today is a beautiful sunny day. So I am on my way out. Tally Ho my fellow bloggers. Happy Painting.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I have been working in gouache the last few days. It was to cold to go out and paint , so I did this 5x7 on card stock. I have so many incomplete paintings that need my attention. I just want to go out and paint all the time. But plein air doesn't necessarily mean painting outdoors, it can also be a still a still life set up.

Why is it more exciting to work from life, there was a time that a photo would satisfy as a reference for a painting, as it still does, but my heart is out there working from nature.

Now it is time to make the pizza, I make my own from scratch. It just me and Mike now, so instead of 6 pies, it's only two.Happy painting everyone.

Monday, October 8, 2012

This is the little 5x7 painting I did yesterday. Still have the oil sitting on my easel to be completed.

Today Mike and I went back to this lovely place and I spoke with the owner Mike and asked if my painting pals can join me next week. He is very kind and agreed it would be okay. I gave him a print of this signed and framed and he hung it inside the little shack where he sells home mad pies and jams and fresh produce. It is a jewel of a place and I look forward to returning next week.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

I am so in love with this beautiful part of Long Island. Mike and I will return to this location, there is still so many scenic sites to paint. This was done in the studio from a photo. It is a 5x7 gouache on mixed media board. Happy Painting everyone.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Plein air painting at Short Beach in St. James. Getting to use my new EasyL pochade box.

Plein air painting a a local pumpkin patch in East Islip, Using my new Guerrilla French Resistance pochade.

Received an Honorable Mention award at the Arboretum art show.
a lovely surprise.

Plein air 9x12 oil sketch at Short Beach.

So, now that I have shared some of the things I have been doing on my break, it is time to visit with all of you. I have noticed that everyone is still busy painting and posting. I must admit that I also have been painting and posting on FaceBook. Just to share with all of you, that it is wonderful to see all of the brilliant artist work that post on fb I do hope to see some of you adding this to your art networking and share your work as well.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Good morning to all my fellow bloggers. As Fall approaches, tomorrow to be exact I am having a difficult time keeping up with painting and blogging. I also post on facebook, maybe I am biting off more than I can handle. I will continue to check in on all of you from time to time, just wont be posting my work.

It wont be a long break, maybe a week or two, in the meantime, I will look forward to seeing all of your beautiful work.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Hello fellow bloggers, that's what it seems like lately. I am so sorry for not getting to each and everyone of you. Not complaining, life is good, and each day is filled with the joy of learning and studying my art. These are my recent studies. Happy painting everyone.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

These are some of the paintings I have been doing. The first is a gouache on paper. White hydrangea plant that blooms at the end of the summer.The second is a larger 1hr. study of Stony Brook, behind the Grist Mill. The third is again Stony Brook, this time I studied the David Dunlop technique in oil. not finished, just a study.

I now have my new plein air paint box, that Mike bought for me, so me thinks it time to get out as much as possible to paint plein air.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Where has the time gone? September is just around the corner. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, with family, friends, and of course painting. Even though I haven't posted on my blog, I have been enjoying all of your latest work on my side panel. I took up the challenge of painting 1hr. paintings, in between my other studies.
It is quite interesting to realize how long an hour can be, especially when painting small formats like the 5x7. But some how I also achieved the same working on larger 11x14 pieces as well. The trick is, not to think, just paint, actually, I love it, not thinking, it comes quite natural to me.

Kevin Mac Pherson recommends doing these quickies in his book. A fellow artist on Long Island reminded me on Facebook to give it a try, hence, here are my studies, warts and all. But I love doing these, so it doesn't really matter. Also it's a great learning tool, it's a way of possibly planning for a larger paining in the future. Well that's about it folks. Happy Painting to all of my fellow bloggers. Oh, I actually met Hilda, okay must look up the spelling of her last name, I will write more about this in a future post.
Pastels by H.Muxo, real life blogger in person, could not believe we met. She is a wonderful artist and a wonderful person.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sunday was one of those glorious days on Long Island. Rich Rivkin has created and organized these events. Joining musicians and artist to come together and do what they love. Paint, dance or play music. It usually takes place on these magnificent sites such as the Vanderbilt Estate great lawn over looking Long Island Sound or the Heckscher Park Museum in Huntington.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

It's going on 5:56 am, I have been up since 4am. So okay, I am an early riser. This is my recent attempt at taking a painting from a plein air sketch and paint a larger version of the scene, Unfortunately it was a failed attempt, it just became overworked and my enthusiasm was lost in the attempt.

Lesson learned, to know when to stop, with every brushstroke in hopes of capturing the freshness of the first study it became evident it wasn't to be. Hence the lesson, To Know When To Stop.

So my fellow bloggers, enjoy your day, and happy painting. Today is supposed to be a glorious day on Long Island, a great day for plein air.